Vomiting & Nausea

Digestive Health

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Vomiting & Nausea

Overview

Nausea is an uneasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach together with an urge to vomit. Nausea and vomiting, or throwing up, are not diseases. They can be symptoms of many different conditions. These include morning sickness during pregnancy, infections, migraine headaches, motion sickness, food poisoning, cancer chemotherapy or other medicines.

For vomiting in children and adults, avoid solid foods until vomiting has stopped for at least six hours. Then work back to a normal diet. Drink small amounts of clear liquids to avoid dehydration.

Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting are common. Usually, they are not serious. You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect poisoning or if you have

  • Vomited for longer than 24 hours
  • Blood in the vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Headache and stiff neck
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, infrequent urination or dark urine

Treatment

You should stay nourished and well hydrated even if you are having nausea and vomiting. Eating small, frequent meals may be best tolerated, while avoiding dairy products, greasy foods, and high-fat meals.

Ginger may help to relieve nausea. Ginger can be taken in a variety of ways, including ginger ale, tea, cookies, candies, or ginger capsules. Patients can choose the form of ginger that works best for them.

If you are on medication, do not to stop taking it without first discussing it with their health care providers. Many medications must be continued despite nausea.

Many people wonder whether they should take their medicines again if they vomit after taking their dose. Generally, the medicines are still in the system unless the pills actually come back up. Patients should call their health care provider if they have any questions.


 
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